HELIOPLEX

Helioplex has been heralded as the most important advancement
in sun protection technology in twenty years. Developed
by cosmetic company Neutrogena, Helioplex is not a drug,
so does not require FDA approval. Helioplex works in
conjunction with sun block ingredients.

Sunblocks

Sunblocks, rather than sunscreens are the only effective
protection against both UVB and UVA rays. As the UVA
radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, it is more
responsible for aging photodamage and skin cancer.

With the weakening ozone layer, the world has finally
woken up to seeking more effective blocks against these
highly damaging rays.

Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide

Until recently, the only effective ingredients to block
UVA were those sunblocks containing titanium dioxide
or zinc oxide. Whilst these ingredients work well, they
are messy and being opaque, are very visible.

Helioplex

Helioplex makes a commonly used chemical agent work
more effectively.

Existing sunscreens that contain Parsol 1789, or Avobenzone,
do a good job of blocking ultraviolet-B rays, but their
protection against ultraviolet-A rays starts to weaken
after a few hours of sun exposure.

By using Helioplex, Neutrogena claims they can stop
Avobenzone from degrading and boost its UV protection
ability. Its sun protection products with these ingredients
offer high potency protection even after four to five
hours of direct sun exposure.

Helioplex is not a drug in itself, so does not require
FDA approval.

Neutrogena sunscreens with Helioplex cover the complete
UVA/UVB spectrum by harnessing the full power of two
sunscreens, Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. Both Avobenzone
and Oxybenzone have long been recognized by the FDA
as safe and effective.

Avobenzone - one of the best UVA
absorbers but breaks down with exposure to sunlight

Oxybenzone - very good UVB absorber
with some UVA absorbency.

Helioplex stops the sunlight from breaking down chemicals
to protect you against UVA rays. Avobenzone and Oxybenzone
combination blocks UVB burning rays and helps stop UVA
rays from penetrating your skin's surface layers longer
than either sunscreen can by itself.

The sunscreens in Helioplex™ further protect
skin by absorbing and transforming UV light into a harmless
form of light."

Helioplex products are slightly more expensive than
others but the protection factor is worth it. If your
budget cannot extend to using Helioplex products as
a total body sun protection, at least use it on your
face, neck, hands and arms.

These new products stay on the skin longer and continue
to work longer. Existing sunscreens effectively block
UVB rays for less than two hours; with UVA protection
breaking down shortly after exposure to the sun. Helioplex
blocks give 4-5 hours protection for both UVA and UVB.
Neutrogena is one of the first manufacturers to put
Helioplex products on the market in the United States.

Neutrogena
is a Los Angeles-based unit of pharmaceuticals company
Johnson & Johnson.